-- few words on a number of topics and take a few questions before the long Labor Day weekend. First. Beginning with the number one thing the most Americans care about the economy. This morning we found out that are coming actually grew at a stronger -- in the second quarter than we originally -- Companies are investing. Consumers are spending. Over the past four and a half years our businesses have -- created nearly ten million new jobs so there are reasons to feel good about the direction we're headed. But as -- knows there's a lot more that we should be doing to make sure that all Americans benefit from the progress that we've made and I'm gonna. Be pushing congress hard on this when -- return next week. Second. In Iraq are dedicated pilots and crews continue to carry out the targeted strikes that I authorized to protect. Americans there and to address the humanitarian situation on the ground. As commander in chief. I will always do what is necessary to protect the American people and defend against evolving threats to our homeland. Because of our strikes the terrorists -- my -- are losing arms and equipment. In some areas Iraqi Government and Kurdish forces have begun to push them back. And we continue to be proud and grateful to our extraordinary. Personnel serving in this mission. Now I -- poses an immediate threat to the people of Iraq and people throughout the region. And that's why our military action Iraq has to be part of a broader comprehensive strategy to protect our people and to support our partners. We're taking the fight to -- And that starts with Iraq's leaders building on the progress they've made so far and forming an inclusive government the -- unite their country. And strengthen their security forces to confront us. Any successful strategy though also needs strong regional partners. I'm encouraged so far that countries in the region countries that -- don't always agree on. Many things increasingly recognize. The primacy of the threat that I -- poses to all of and I've asked secretary Kerry to travel to the region to continue to build the coalition that's needed to meet this threat. As I've said rooting out -- cancer like console will not be quick. Were easy but -- confident that we can and we will working closely with our allies and our partners. For our part of director sector hagel and or Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare a range of options. I'll be meeting -- my National Security Council again this evening as we continue to develop. That strategy and I've been consulting were members of congress and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Finally I just spoke with chancellor Merkel of Germany on the situation in -- We agree if there was ever any doubt that Russia is responsible. For the violence in eastern Ukraine. The violence is encouraged by Russia the separatists. Trained by Russia they are armed by Russia they are funded by Russia. Russia has deliberately and repeatedly violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of -- thing. And the new images of Russian forces inside Ukraine make of that plane for the world to see. This comes as Ukrainian forces are making progress against separatists. As a result. Of the actions Russia has already taken and the major sanctions we've imposed -- our European and international partners. Russia is already more isolated than -- any time since the end of the Cold War. Capital is flowing to investors are increasingly staying out its economy is in decline. And this ongoing Russian incursion into Ukraine will only bring more costs and consequences for Russia. Next week I'll be in Europe to coordinate -- our closest allies and partners. In Estonia will reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the defense of our NATO allies. At the NATO summit in the United Kingdom will focus on the additional steps we can take to ensure the alliance remains prepared for any challenge. Meeting of the NATO Ukraine commission will be another opportunity for -- alliance to continue our partnership with Ukraine. And I look forward to -- -- the unwavering commitment of the United States to Ukraine and its people -- unwelcome -- Portugal to the White House next month.

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